Long arm of the law catches jaywalkers

Frank Molen, Parramatta:
‘‘There have been a lot of incidents in recent times with people being hit by cars. It’s fair enough just to remind people to be more aware when they’re crossing at the lights. $67 is not a big amount if it can save someone’s life or protect them from injury.’’

Janine Noble, Newcastle:
‘‘I think it’s a good idea, it’s going to stop people getting run over. It’s probably not enough money, but it will be a deterrent. If someone gets caught, they’ll only do it once.’’

Vann Wallace, Doonside:
‘‘We’re all taught when we’re young to look both ways, aren’t we? It’s very harsh, that’s for sure. I think $67 is a big penalty just for crossing the road.’’

Pedestrians breaking road rules were targeted at some of Parramatta's busiest intersections last Thursday as part of a police operation that also spanned Sydney CBD and Liverpool.

From 3pm, the Sun spotted officers at the corner of Smith and Macquarie streets issuing fines to jaywalkers as part of Operation Pedro, which saw a total of 346 fines of $67 issued Sydney-wide to pedestrians who failed to wait for the green man.

Sergeant Stuart Forbes told the Sun the pedestrian-awareness operation was being run by officers from Parramatta's motorcycle response team across six intersections including Church and George streets, Church and Phillip and Church and Argyle streets.

"We're focusing on intersections in the Parramatta CBD that have a high rate of injury and pedestrian collision and pedestrian non-compliance," Sergeant Forbes said.

"A lot of members of the community are just walking straight out across the path of moving traffic."

As the Sun watched on, an elderly lady ignored a flashing red man at the lights and walked onto the road.

"You saw there were seven cops and you still did it," an officer said as he pulled out his notebook.